EVOLUTION OF THE GLOBAL REPORTING INITIATIVE GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT REPORTING

Abstract

A bstract Objective. To investigate the current versions of the Global Reporting Initiative Sustainability Reporting Standards (GRI Standards). D iscussion. The publication of non-financial reports for the purpose of informing and communicating with stakeholders has become a common corporate practice today, especially for large companies that have a significant impact on society and the environment. Nevertheless, given the high degree of diversity of methodological approaches, no unified system of sustainable development reporting exists to date. The Global Reporting Initiative Guidelines and Standards remain the leading methodology with a long history and wide experience of application by companies. Over the next year, companies around the world will have to adapt to the requirements of the seventh version of the reporting system-GRI Standards 2021, which will entail a number of significant changes in the process of reporting development. R esu lts. A comparative analysis of GRI Standards and GRI Standards 2021 has highlighted the following key differences: inclusion of industry standards into the module hierarchical structure, whose application will, in fact, become mandatory and will increase the comparability of information; specification of key reporting concepts, ensuring a single logical model of report development; revision of the composition and content of universal disclosures, taking into account the importance of such aspects of sustainable development as human rights protection, due diligence and compliance.